Why Neighborly May Beat Amazon In The Skilled Labor Market

Cognitive technology replacing human jobs has become commonplace. Research shows that by 2025, robots and AI will replace 7% of U.S. jobs. Take the U.S. steel industry, for example: According to theAmerican Economic Review, they’ve recently shed 400,000 employees, yet simultaneously increased productivity with new technologies. Conversely – also by 2025 –Deloitte reports there will be two million unfilled trade jobs. How? Clearly, AI and robots haven’t mastered the skilled labor trades, since a homeowner can’t call a robot at 3 a.m. to replace a busted pipe in the middle of winter. These jobs continue to remain in high demand.

Tech companies like Amazon and even smaller, VC-backed ones like Thumbtack are competing for market share in the skilled labor space. However, their biggest challenge is not technology, but rather fulfilling the supply side and forming a large base of qualified service providers. In an era where tech companies are spawned without proof of concept or customer bases, a new home services platformNeighborly, has just entered the $400 billion market with more than 35 years of experience. Neighborly is an online technology platform that harnesses access to one of the world’s largest trade service brand networks,Dwyer Group. With 13 home service brands and more than 2,500 franchises, Neighborly was created to connect them all under one, easy-to-use consumer platform to simplify caring for your home. Unlike the VC-backed competitors, Neighborly has mastered the home service piece of the puzzle from its long-term involvement in the industry, helping homeowners repair, maintain and enhance their homes in nearly every aspect.

Mike Bidwell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dwyer Group®

Dwyer Group®

“Home service is not just what we do, it’s who we are. With technology ever-changing, it’s never been more important for us to provide customers with a trusted place to turn for help,” says Mike Bidwell, CEO and president of Dwyer Group. “Leveraging the breadth of Dywer Group’s franchise network to create a holistic experience for consumers allows them to uncross their fingers and trust the service provider knocking at their door.”

While other online service aggregators exist, they’re robotic in their recommended provider. Filled with random databases of specialists with reviews across the board, as Neighborly’s website says, “You don't need 84 million results for ‘plumber.’ You need one you can actually trust.” Not coincidentally, Neighborly adds a trusted human element to an otherwise mechanical industry. Each brand is interconnected among a combined franchise network, which all adhere to a strict Code of Values and are fully vetted. If homeowners have used one Neighborly brand before, they’ll be hiring a familiar sister company for whatever need arises as their home service project, says Bidwell.

Neighborly's homepage

Neighborly

The Neighborly online platform incorporates a unique approach to seeking and hiring service professionals. Consumers simply enter their zip code, select the service desired from a drop down menu and are matched with professional local providers among well-known Neighborly brands, like Molly Maid, Mr. Rooter and Mr. Handyman. In addition to finding assistance near their home, Neighborly also provides homeowners the ability to access their service history, delivers individualized maintenance reminders and shares tips and advice on its blog.

"We’ve entered the online platform space in a backwards way, growing our network of skilled laborers for 35 years before launching Neighborly,” Bidwell adds. “But when the cart is the coveted trusted providers, we’ll put it before the horse of an online platform.”